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Toyota - 2018 Corolla iM

Toyota Corolla iM
Take all that's great about the Toyota Corolla - distinctive style, renowned Toyota quality and dependability, an abundance of technology, and high fuel efficie...More »

Toyota Corolla iM

Take all that's great about the Toyota Corolla - distinctive style, renowned Toyota quality and dependability, an abundance of technology, and high fuel efficiency - and add the versatility of a 5-door hatchback, and, voilà, you get the essence of Toyota Corolla iM. Enhancing the Corolla iM's experience is its double-wishbone style multi-link rear suspension. Monospec pricing means consumers get a long list of standard equipment, plus, a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) that's under $20,000. Its sole option: a refined Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence and Shift Mode (CVTi-S).

Safety and Sensibility

The Toyota Corolla iM comes with standard Toyota Safety Sense C (TSS-C), as well as eight standard airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and a front passenger seat cushion airbag. The TSS-C package features three proprietary active safety technologies and combines a camera and laser beam for enhanced performance and reliability. With Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and a Pre-Collision System (PCS), TSS-C can help prevent or mitigate collisions in a wide range of vehicle speeds.

A Sedan's Daring Alter-Ego

The iM looks the part of the sedan's daring sibling. A trapezoidal lower grille, sharp-eyed headlights and side bezels with a honeycomb mesh pattern give it a sporty face. The aerodynamic expression carries into the profile, which conveys dynamic movement from the lower front to the rear.

The 1.8-liter DOHC engine is eager to rev and is easy on gas. The 137-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine uses Valvematic continuously variable valve timing (lift and phasing) technology to offer a broad torque curve, so the iM feels responsive in different driving situations.

The Toyota Corolla iM has a standard, easy-to-shift 6-speed manual transmission, making for an engaging and active driving experience. Both the manual and automatic iM models come standard with Hill Start Assist which helps to prevent roll-back when pulling away from a stop sign or traffic light on an incline.

The optional automatic is also perfectly suited to the 1.8-liter engine. It's a Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence and Shift Mode (CVTi-S) that's been sport-tuned for driving enjoyment. Few CVTs operate as responsively as the iM's CVTi-S. The transmission has a Sport Mode, as well as manual shifting capability with seven stepped shift points. In Sport Mode, the CVTi-S alters shift points and provides a livelier feel through the accelerator's enhanced responsiveness. AI-SHIFT logic detects lateral G-force during cornering and maintains engine speed by restricting unnecessary shift changes.

Using the console shifter, the driver can make fast, sequential shifts through the transmission's seven predefined steps, accompanied by the familiar sense of positive shift engagement. The 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display within the instrument cluster displays M - for manual - mode activity, including the "gear" position, and other vehicle information. Like all Corolla models, the iM is fuel efficient, with EPA-estimated 28 mpg city/36 highway/31 combined for the CVTi-S model.

Sophisticated Moves

In the iM, instant gratification behind the wheel is bound to evolve into long-term love. Driving enthusiasts well know the performance advantage of a high-strength body structure and a sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension. The Toyota Corolla iM checks those boxes by using ample high-strength steel and special reinforcements in its structure. The chassis, with sophisticated double-wishbone style multi-link rear suspension and standard 17-inch alloy wheels, smooths out bumps and eagerly handles curves. Another benefit: its compact design allows for more cargo room in the trunk.

Add in meaty 225/45R17 tires and the iM delivers a tight, taut road feel and a comfortable ride. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system makes low-speed maneuvering a breeze and provides good feel and less assistance at highway speeds. It also helps boost fuel efficiency, because the system consumes power only when assist is needed.

The lengthy roster of standard amenities is impressive. Its 60/40 fold-down rear seats and standard cargo cover aid everyday usability. Passengers can store all sizes of personal items in the roomy glove and center console boxes, not to mention, the numerous front door pockets and storage bins found throughout.

The Toyota Corolla iM comes with a high-grade standard multimedia system. The 6-speaker Pioneer sound system will play from a variety of sources, including iPods and other devices. It's controlled through an easy to use 7-inch Display Audio unit that also includes standard HD Radio and Aha. The same screen also provides the view for the standard rear backup camera.

Its sporty leather-wrapped wheel includes fingertip switches for audio, multi-info display, and hands-free phone calls via Bluetooth. The 4.2-inch color TFT multi-information display between the main instrument gauges provides displays for the car's features and other functions.

The Toyota Corolla iM keeps the value surprises coming. The iM's dual-zone automatic climate control helps to ensure that all passengers are comfortable no matter the climate. And on cold mornings, the color-keyed heated power-folding exterior mirrors helps to quickly clear up fog or frost. Auto on/off headlamps are yet another premium amenity that's standard on the iM.

Limited Warranty

Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.